Home Body Atlas Ligaments Wrist Extrinsic Ligaments (Dorsal)
Ligament Hand & Wrist

Wrist Extrinsic Ligaments (Dorsal)

ligamentum

The dorsal wrist extrinsic ligaments — the dorsoradiotriquetral and dorsal intercarpal ligament — provide dorsal wrist stability by connecting the radius to the proximal carpal row. The dorsal intercarpal ligament specifically connects the scaphoid to the triquetrum along the proximal carpal row, and its disruption contributes to the rotatory instability of scapholunate dissociation.

Region: Hand & Wrist
Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginDorsal distal radius
InsertionScaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and dorsal intercarpal ligament
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

ActionsPrevent excessive wrist palmar flexion and carpal supination; provide dorsal wrist stability
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Dorsal wrist ligament injuries are less commonly isolated than palmar ligament injuries but contribute to wrist instability patterns in combined scapholunate and midcarpal instability. Arthroscopic and open dorsal capsulodesis procedures target the dorsal intercarpal ligament to restrict scaphoid flexion in chronic scapholunate dissociation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Dorsal Capsulodesis

Dorsal intercarpal ligament tightening procedure to limit scaphoid flexion in chronic scapholunate instability.

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